Using New York Public Records

Screen job applicants by conducting a New York public records search

Hiring a new employee is one of the most common reasons for using New York public records. A small business may prefer to take advantage of the free information available online instead of hiring another company to perform this service.

Finding an applicant with the right job qualifications is only part of the hiring process. Background checks should be essential because the employer can be held responsible for an employee’s actions on the job. NY public records can help identify individuals that could be a poor choice due to their credit or criminal history. Employers must also specifically check people who will be working with children or the elderly for any history of abuse.

There are three types of public records of particular interest when performing background checks:

1. Credit reports that show current lines of credit, payment histories and declarations of bankruptcy.

2. New York vital records that show past convictions, births or divorces. These may also be useful in determining criminal history, residency requirements and alimony payments.

3. Registered sex offender lists. New York requires convicted sex offenders to be kept on a list for a specified period after their conviction.

 

Use public records in New York to get general information on individuals

A New York record can include information on births, deaths and divorces. Many cities and counties in New York have websites with this information that is freely available to the general public.
Try: Ongov.net provides a list of services that the Clerk’s Office for Onondaga County provides. The Office of the County Clerk for Nassau County offers specific instructions for obtaining a variety of public records.

Use New York court records to get information on criminal history

Law enforcement agencies keep criminal records which may be publicly available. Laws vary widely by state as to the specific information you will be able to obtain. Some government agencies may also charge fees.
Try: The Civil Identification Unit of the Division of Criminal Justice Services provides background checks for businesses. The New York State Education Department provides a detailed description of the background information it requires of its employees.

Conduct a New York criminal records check

There are many sites dedicated to performing background checks for prospective employees. These checks can also include Social Security number verification, education verification and reference checks.
Try: BrickHouse Security in New York specializes in background checks for businesses and also offers a variety of other services. Axiom Investigative Services is a pre-employment screening company based in Orange County.

 

• You will first need to obtain some basic information on the individual for whom you are seeking free public records. New York job applicants will need to provide this information on the application form or on a separate form for the background check. Individuals must also grant permission for a background check in most cases.

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